Porto or Oporto? An ancient and authentic city

I arrived to Porto today. Ola!

I've been planning and researching like mad. I have two visits in adjacent Vila Nova de Gaia planned for tomorrow. The first is with Graham's(at 10am) and the other is with Quinta do Noval (at 3pm). On Wednesday, I drive to the Douro and have visits with the "Douro Boys," Quinta do Vallado and Quinta do Crasto. On Thursday late morning, I'm meeting with a viticulturist who works for the Symington Group, a referral from D, a fellow MW candidate that I met last week in Bordeaux. On Friday, I head to the Amorim headquarters to learn more about cork production with plant and a lab visit. I'm back in New York next week.

I should be writing about my wonderful birthday weekend in San Sebastian but instead I'm organizing my notes and reading. Details of the SS weekend will, in due time, be shared, because last weekend was wonderful. Last week in Bordeaux invigorated me and I feel even more passionate about wine.

I really like this city. I fortuitously stumbled upon a street with a bar with my namesake. There is a raw authenticity here. I especially like the fact that few people speak English. I've been learning the basics but Portuguese is a tough language!

Before dinner, I walked around town. Of course, I went into any and every food store -- I saw creepy meat! The below is a sheep's head and rabbits(I think) below that. Speaking of meat, I had a feeling that I was being watched -- I prefer to be under the radar but I could feel some stares this evening as I walked around. I had two men in suits follow me and they just lingered around after I said, "No."


Neither my US cell, nor the simm that I purchased today, work. Argh!

Good night or boa tarde. I'm so sleepy.

Love,
E